I will be in Belize for 17 days from end of December to the Middle of January. I will be on the beach for most of the time, and in the jungle for about 4 days. Can anyone suggest a packing list? Thanks!

Several very comfy pairs of sandals, shorts, tank tops, swim suits. In the jungle, bring some lightweight clothes to cover up but remember it will be warm. Bring plenty of bug spray and something to deal with the itch when you do get a few bites. Sand fleas were a problem for us in Belize, but it was difficult to avoid the beach at sunset.

I've pasted my packing list from the Thorntree FAQ thread below. For Belize you won't need the layers that I take for higher elevations in Guatemala or Honduras. I take a UV water purifier now instead of a pump and have a card reader for my camera so I can blog as I travel.

The important thing is to travel really light - a loosely filled carry-on sized pack should be plenty. Let me know if I can answer questions about the list. Happy trails!


My answer to the question: WHAT SHOULD I PACK???

I can pack everything I need for an extended trip into a carry-on sized bag by choosing clothes that layer. I have a carry-on sized conversion pack (straps tuck away as needed) that has an attached day pack. I pack valuables and some personal items in the day pack and most of the clothes (that I'm not wearing) in the main compartment. Here's what I took to Honduras to accommodate 2-3 weeks inland with high altitude mountain hikes included and 2-3 weeks of beach time:

3-4 wicking-type shirts
1 light weight long sleeved shirt
2 pairs of light weight convertible (zip off to become shorts) long pants
1 sarong (skirt, swim wrap, doubles as towel or sleeping sheet)
1 bandana and one silicon-neck-cooler bandana
1 sunhat with strap
1 light weight sleeveless nightgown
2 swimsuits
1 light weight fleece jacket (liner type that can be worn alone)
1 light weight goretex rain coat
uns and socks (incl. 1 neoprene pair I wear under Keens for hiking and under fins for diving/snorkel’g)
flip flops for beach and showers
Keen water shoes for everything else, including lots of light hiking (they have great support and a rubber toe protector); if you're planning hardcore hiking, take boots

Cash, ATM and VISA cards, passport, etc.
Flight and lodging reservations, emails, receipts, etc.
Small medical kit and sewing kit
Cheap watch with alarm
Toiletries and prescription meds
Sunglasses, spare glasses, disposable contacts for diving/rainforests
Sunblock and bug stuff (Cactus Juice and Sawyer's Time Release Deet Formula, baby oil for sand flies)
Water purification pump (I'm a budget traveller)
Collapsible drinking cup
LCD headlamp
Compass
Earplugs
Camera, etc. (and underwater bag or 1-2 underwater disposables)
Smallish waterproof binoculars
Guidebook and copied map pages
Laminated plant and animal i.d. cards
Journal/writing materials
Reading material and Spanish/English dictionary
Small gifts for kids and hosts
Small dice and yahtzee papers
A small, flexible disc (like a frisbee)
Various ziplocks, cable ties, small bungie cords
3-4’ of duct tape wrapped around a waterproof marker
String and a few clothespins or 3-4 feet of braided surgical tubing - great clothesline
Half a roll of t.p. removed from core and flattened

I buy water and reuse the bottle and usually pick up an inexpensive pocket knife when I get there. I like having my own snorkel and mask, but my husband joined me two weeks into the trip and brought them with him; he has to check luggage anyway because of his fishing poles.

rayanne, I was in Belize many years ago and of course I'm racking my brain for the names of the places I went. It was march and very warm. It is a place that is not in fashion. So don't worry about that. Shorts and short sleeves was good for us. We went to a place called Black Rock that was a drive throught orchards and meadows up rock faces and we came out somewhere in the jungle that we parked our vehicle and hiked through the jungle for about a mile and came out to an Inn called Black Rock. A guy named Ted ran it back then. Most amazing place we traveled. We were 4 adults and 5 kids the youngest being 4 at the time. San Ignosio (sp) was the town I couldn't remember driving into from Belize City. Our kids are now 24-21- and the 4 year old is 17 now. But it was the most amazing trip for us. We met up with a guy named David that took us to a cave that we had to canoe into and take the car batteries out of our cars so we could have light in the caves. the most spectaculor expirence of our lives. and remember we had small children at the time. but we felt safe. I know you are asking about packing but I don't remember what I wore at that time. Just a bathing suit and shorts I think. Have fun, we did, and we have the video and memories to prove it.

I am heading to Belize as part of a cruise trip. All the stuff I have been reading on Belize has the safety of foreigners in question. Other than the true "safety" of the tourism village has anyone some valuable tips on actually walking around the city and visiting other areas, without having to take the overpriced cruise ship pre arranged tours?

I had really wanted to hit the cathedral and one or two actual native handicraft shops.

Suggestions of places to go etc. would be most welcome. Thanks.

My advice is skip Belize City altogether, even if you have to shell out for a cruise ship tour. It's a pity to have so little time! Hope you can go back when you can stay longer and really enjoy that beautiful country. My pictures and travelogues are linked here if you're interested:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Thanks for the reply. We don't really have a choice the ship docks in Belize city. It is just a matter of knowing how easy it is to get around by taxi etc. once in the city. And is it safe?

thanks.

Others will be better able to advise you; maybe you should start your own thread about this. Also check out the Belize Forum which has a cruise section, I believe:

http://www.belizeforum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php

The zoo is within striking distance and the baboon (howler monkey) sanctuary, too.

Hope others can help you with the specifics. I think day time Belize City is probably fine as long as you stick to the main areas.

Happy trails!